Principal Meredydd David described the occasion as the “highlight of the academic year”.

He told a packed audience that Reaseheath’s specialist technical qualifications gave graduates the technical skills and competitive edge to succeed.

He said degrees were designed, resourced and delivered in partnership with relevant industries and led to worldwide opportunities.

This resulted in 91% of last year’s graduates gaining related jobs within six months of completing their degree.

An independent student survey has shown the number of Reaseheath graduates who were happy with quality of teaching and support they received was above national average.

It led to 40% of graduates achieving a high classification degree.

Reaseheath College has invested £80m on specialist facilities and resources to meet the future needs of employers.

This year, £28m was being invested on new campus facilities including a sports science academy and sports centre, an advanced engineering and agri-tec centre, additional halls of residence for 200 students and extension to the college’s higher education centre.

This was funded by a grant from the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, represented at the ceremony by Deputy Chief Executive Mark Livesey.

Those who graduated at Nantwich, who included part-time mature students looking for career progression, had studied for degrees validated by Harper Adams University.

Reaseheath animal management undergraduates on University of Chester programmes will graduate at Chester Cathedral in November.

Guest of honour was BBC Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison, who handed over the awards.